India to launch its first satellite on SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket

Gsat_20/falcon9

India is set to launch its first satellite on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket in a historic mission that marks a new era of collaboration between the two space-faring nations. The satellite, named GSAT-20, is a high-throughput communication satellite that will provide broadband internet connectivity and digital video and audio transmission across the Indian region.

GSAT-20 is a joint project of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and its commercial arm, New Space India Limited (NSIL). The satellite is funded, owned and operated by NSIL, which has signed a contract with SpaceX for the launch. The launch is expected to take place in the second quarter of 2024 from Cape Canaveral, Florida.

GSAT-20 is a continuation of the GSAT series of communication satellites that ISRO has been developing since 2001. The satellite features a Ka-band payload with 70 Gbps throughput, utilizing 40 beams that offer a total capacity of nearly 48 Gbps. Each beam will have two polarizations, effectively making them 80 beams. The satellite will cover the entire Indian mainland and islands, as well as some neighboring countries.

GSAT-20 will be the first ISRO-made satellite to use electric propulsion for orbit raising and station keeping. Electric propulsion is a technology that uses electric power to accelerate ions, which in turn provide thrust. Electric propulsion is more efficient and cost-effective than conventional chemical propulsion, as it requires less fuel and reduces the mass of the satellite. GSAT-20 will be the first fully electric propulsion-enabled satellite in the world.

The satellite will also be the first Indian satellite to be launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, which is a reusable launch vehicle that can land back on Earth after delivering its payload to orbit. SpaceX is a private American aerospace company founded by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, who is also the CEO of Tesla and Neuralink. SpaceX has become a global leader in the commercial space industry, offering low-cost and reliable launch services to various customers, including NASA, the US military, and private companies.

The launch of GSAT-20 on a Falcon 9 rocket is a significant milestone for both India and SpaceX, as it represents a new level of cooperation and trust between the two entities. India has traditionally relied on the European consortium Arianespace for launching its heavy satellites, especially on the now-retired Ariane 5 rocket. However, with the delay in the development and availability of the successor Ariane 6 rocket, India has turned to SpaceX as an alternative option. SpaceX has also demonstrated its capability and flexibility by accommodating India's launch request on a short notice.

The launch of GSAT-20 will also boost India's communication infrastructure and support its ambitious Smart Cities Mission, which aims to transform urban areas into sustainable and livable spaces. GSAT-20 will enable high-speed broadband internet access, digital video and audio broadcasting, tele-education, tele-medicine, e-governance, and disaster management services to millions of Indians. The satellite will also enhance India's strategic and defense capabilities, as it will provide secure and encrypted communication links to various agencies and forces.

The launch of GSAT-20 is a testament to India's growing prowess and confidence in the space domain, as well as its willingness to collaborate with other players in the global space arena. The mission also showcases SpaceX's innovation and leadership in the commercial space sector, as well as its vision to make space more accessible and affordable to everyone. The launch of GSAT-20 is a historic event that will usher in a new era of space cooperation and exploration for both India and SpaceX.

ISRO to launch XPoSat and 10 other payloads on January 1

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to launch the PSLV-C58 X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat) mission on January 1, 2024. The PSLV will launch XPoSat and 10 more payloads. The rocket will lift off at 9.10 a.m. from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.

XPoSat is the first dedicated scientific satellite from ISRO to carry out research in space-based polarisation measurements of X-ray emission from celestial sources. It carries two payloads, namely POLIX (Polarimeter Instrument in X-rays) and XSPECT (X-ray Spectroscopy and Timing). POLIX has been developed by Raman Research Institute and XSPECT is by Space Astronomy Group of URSC, Bengaluru.

The PSLV will also launch 10 payloads developed by start-ups, education institutions and ISRO centres. They are the Radiation Shielding Experimental Module (RSEM) by TakeMe2Space, Women Engineered Satellite (WESAT) by LBS Institute of Technology for Women, BeliefSa-t0 Amateur radio satellite by K.J. Somaiya Institute of Technology, Green Impulse TrAnsmitter (GITA) by Inspecity Space Labs Private Limited, Launching Expeditions for Aspiring Technologies -Technology Demonstrator (LEAP-TD) by Dhruva Space Private Limited, RUDRA 0.3 HPGP by Bellatrix Aerospace Private Limited, ARKA-200 by Bellatrix Aerospace Private Limited, Dust Experiment (DEX) by PRL, ISRO Fuel cell Power System (FCPS) by VSSC, ISRO and Si-based High Energy cell by VSSC, ISRO.

XPoSat is set to revolutionize x-ray astronomy and will study various dynamics of bright astronomical X-ray sources in extreme conditions. The spacecraft will carry two scientific payloads in a low earth orbit.

For more information, please visit The Hindu.

ISRO's XPoSat Mission: Unlocking the Mysteries of Black Holes and Neutron Stars

 The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is all set to launch its first polarimetry mission, XPoSat, on January 1, 2024 at 9:15 AM IST⁵. The X-Ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat) will be onboard a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)-C58 ⁵. The mission aims to study black hole emissions and neutron stars ¹²³.

The XPoSat mission is a significant milestone in India's space exploration journey. It is a collaborative effort between ISRO and the Raman Research Institute (RRI) ⁴. The satellite is equipped with a payload called POLIX, which is an X-ray polarimeter for astronomical observations in the energy band of 8-30 keV ⁵. POLIX is being developed by RRI in collaboration with U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) ⁵. The instrument is made of a collimator, a scatterer, and four X-ray proportional counter detectors that surround the scatterer. The scatterer is made of low atomic mass material which causes anisotropic Thomson scattering of incoming polarised X-rays ⁵.

The XPoSat mission is expected to revolutionize space-based X-Ray astronomy ³. The satellite will help scientists study the polarization of X-rays emitted from black holes and neutron stars ¹. The mission will also help scientists understand the physical processes that occur in the vicinity of black holes and neutron stars ². The data collected by XPoSat will be used to develop theoretical models of black hole and neutron star emissions ¹.

The XPoSat mission is a testament to India's growing capabilities in space exploration. The mission is expected to contribute significantly to the global scientific community's understanding of black holes and neutron stars. The XPoSat mission is also expected to inspire future generations of scientists and engineers in India to pursue careers in space exploration.

Source:

(1) XPoSat - Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). https://www.isro.gov.in/XPoSat.html.

(2) XPoSat: India’s X-Ray Polarimetry Mission - Indian Space Research .... https://www.isro.gov.in/XPoSat_X-Ray_Polarimetry_Mission.html.

(3) After Moon and Sun, ISRO readies XPoSat mission to enhance .... https://www.businesstoday.in/technology/news/story/after-moon-and-sun-isro-readies-xposat-mission-to-enhance-understanding-in-astronomy-396622-2023-09-02.

(4) XPoSat set to revolutionize x-ray astronomy: Isro. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/science/xposat-set-to-revolutionize-x-ray-astronomy-isro/articleshow/105610104.cms.

(5) XPoSat - INSIGHTSIAS. https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/05/27/xposat/.

How Space Agency Is Turning India's Human Spaceflight Into A Reality

 New ISRO Report Details How Space Agency Is Turning India's Human Spaceflight Into A Reality

How Space Agency Is Turning India's Human Spaceflight Into A Reality

The Indian Space Research Organisation has been actively working on a number of projects to achieve its goal of sending humans to space, according to the Indian space agency's' recently released annual report

These projects include the development of a human-rated LVM3 launch vehicle, upgrading ISRO's mission control complex, building an ‘umbilical tower’ on the second launch pad for maintenance of the rocket while on the launch platform, and setting up a direct-to-ground communication mobile unit in Australia's Cocos Island.

India's Gaganyaan Mission will be launched from the second pad at the country's only spaceport in Sriharikota.

The astronauts selected for the mission have completed the first semester of mission-specific initial training, after completing a generic training for spacefaring in Russia.

"The Mission specific training includes theoretical courses in engineering disciplines and training on Gaganyaan flight systems. The training also covers Aero-medical training & Fitness and Recovery & Survival training as part of the curriculum," the report said.

The training included 218 lectures, 75 physical training sessions, two flying practices, two medical evaluations, and two course-related evaluations.

Astronauts were trained in theoretical courses on engineering disciplines such as Basics of Spaceflight, Propulsion, Aerodynamics, and courses on Launch Vehicles and Spacecraft were conducted

Their physical training included Yoga, Aero-medical training, and Flying Practice.

configuration of several of the components of the system have been finalised.

“Preliminary accommodation of the ECLSS system and half-humanoid in G1 (first unmanned mission) is completed,” the report said.

ISRO will send a half-humanoid in the unmanned mission to assess likely impacts on human beings.

The space agency is also working to create a network of ground stations that will allow direct-to-ground communication. Support for this has been finalised from European ground stations.

Further, ship-borne terminals will also be required for telemetry, tracking and communication with the spacecraft during the ascent phase of the mission.

A transportable terminal will be set up at Cocos Island, Australia, for which arrangements have been made by the Indian space agency.

The space agency is also modifying the existing control centre to make the Gaganyaan Control Facility with a different configuration of display and consoles.

The second launch pad has been equipped with an ‘umbilical tower’ to aid with maintenance of the launch vehicle while on the pad.

Additionally, a trial of a high-speed bubble lift has been conducted. The development of the white room and crew access arm, from which astronauts will enter the spacecraft, is also underway.

ISRO Pad Abort Test

 ISRO's Pad Abort Test India's hopes rest on a test... If not successful, the biggest space mission will be postponed!

ISRO Pad Abort Test

In May this year, ISRO is going to do a pad abort test of its first human spaceflight program i.e. Gaganyaan. If this mission is successful then India will become the fourth country in the world to get this technology. If unsuccessful, there may be a slight delay in the Gaganyaan mission. Know 

what is Pad Abort Test?

What is Pad Abort Test

What is Pad Abort Test

ISRO i.e. Indian Space Research Organization is running the Gaganyaan mission under its Human Spaceflight Program. Union Science Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh told that ISRO is going to do Pad Abort Test in the month of May this year. What is this test after all? Why is this important? What will happen by doing this test?

Abort means ending the mission. Pad abort test is actually Launch Escape System. Actually, the way the fighter pilot ejects the seat in case of any kind of emergency or fault in the fighter jet. In the same way, there is a launch escape system in the rocket of Human Spaceflight Mission. In which the crew-module ie the cabin in which the astronauts are seated is separated from the rocket.

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